Mexican stocks at highest level in more than 2 yrs

MEXICO CITY Dec 24 (Reuters) - Mexican stocks rose to their highest level in more than two years on Thursday despite holiday-thinned volume, as the peso firmed on fresh positive U.S. economic data pointing to a strengthening recovery.

The benchmark IPC stock index .MXX gained 0.45 percent to 32,597 points, its strongest level since Oct. 2007, with cell phone operator America Movil (AMXL.MX) leading the rise, up added 0.52 percent to 30.82 pesos.

Broadcaster Televisa (TLVACPO.MX) traded up 0.88 percent to 53.99 pesos, and developer Homex (HOMEX.MX) added 0.41 percent to 74.25 pesos.

Many other stocks were flat or slightly higher after data in the United States showed jobless claims fell to their lowest level since September 2008, raising hopes for a quick economic recovery for Mexico's largest trade partner.

The Mexican stock exchange will stop trading at noon Thursday, and will be closed on Friday in observance of Christmas.

Mexico's peso MXN=MEX01 strengthened 0.28 percent to 12.88 per dollar, also in light trading. (Reporting by Patrick Rucker; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)